wfn.org | Lutherans Continue Recovery Efforts in North Carolina

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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

November 6, 2000

LUTHERANS CONTINUE RECOVERY EFFORTS IN NORTH CAROLINA
00-265-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Recovery efforts continue in North Carolina
more than one year after Hurricane Floyd struck there, according to
the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director for Lutheran Disaster Response, a
ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
     Hurricane Floyd killed 52 people in an area from the Bahamas to
New England, causing destruction in eight states in September 1999.
     "Latest statistics indicate that 55,000 homes were damaged,"
Furst said.  Of the 55,000 homes, 17,000 are uninhabitable and 7,000
are destroyed, he said.
     "Most survivors have plowed through a frustrating maze of
paperwork, but for many with limited resources rebuilding is just
beginning.  Most people are still not anywhere near returning to
their homes," Furst said.  "But, there is progress."
     George Strunk, a coordinator for Lutheran Disaster Response,
said 72 teams of 579 volunteers have made a significant contribution
to the situation in North Carolina.
     More than $800,000 has been provided to fund relief efforts,
and "unknown amounts of food, cleanup supplies and furniture were
distributed," Furst said.
     "A portable personal care unit -- mobile shower and toilet
facilities for volunteers -- is being put into service because of the
generosity" of Women of the ELCA members in North Carolina, Lutheran
Brotherhood (LB) and Lutheran Disaster Response of North Carolina,
Furst said.  LB is a fraternal benefits organization based in
Minneapolis.  Aid Association for Lutherans, a fraternal benefits
organization based in Appleton, Wis., provided funds for a new
disaster cargo van.
     "Lutheran Disaster Response will be present in North Carolina,
offering help and hope for the long run," said Furst.  "But, more
angels are needed -- volunteers to come in Jesus' name and deliver
good news in this adverse situation," he said.
---
DOMESTIC DISASTERS:
Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds for aid to
survivors of major disasters inside the United States, Puerto Rico or
the U.S. Virgin Islands, please include:

              ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
                      P.O. Box 71764
                  Chicago, IL  60694-1764
                       800-638-3522

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html